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How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
Most furnaces last for 12-15 years. If your furnace is getting up there in age, it’s time to consider buying a new one. But how do you know if it’s time to act? You certainly don’t want to be caught in the middle of winter with a broken furnace. On the other hand, you want to get the most out of the furnace you currently have. Either way, it’s best to educate yourself so you know what kind of furnace you want when the inevitable happens. The professionals at Home Comfort Experts have put together a checklist to help you determine how close you are to having to replace your furnace. Check it out and give us a call if it looks like your system fits many of these descriptions.
Furnace Replacement Checklist for Homeowners
- Is your home older than 12 years? The average lifespan of a typical furnace is between 12 and 15 years. If your home has passed this mark, it’s most likely that your system has not recently been replaced.
- Have you repaired your system more than once over the last 5 years? As furnaces age they tend to rack up more and more costly repairs. This does not include annual maintenance.
- Is the warranty expired on your furnace? Most warranties on older equipment are good for between 5 and 10 years. Once the warranty expires, repairs can become extremely expensive. At that point, you could be putting that money you’re spending on repairs toward a new, high efficiency furnace that will save you on energy bills.
- Are your utility bills getting higher every year? Furnaces and air conditioners account for about 48% of your home’s energy costs. The older a system is, the less efficient it is and the higher your energy bills climb.
Related Read: Want to Save 20% on Your Heating Bills This Winter? Seal Your Ducts
- Does your home have hot spots and cold spots? Older systems weren’t necessarily designed to keep every room comfortable. Two-story homes are especially difficult to keep warm and cool. The upstairs stays warm in the summer and the downstairs is always chilly in the winter. Newer systems have technology available to even out the temperature in your home.
- Do you ever say to yourself: “I hope my furnace lasts one more winter or summer?” A new furnace will give you peace of mind knowing that you can depend on it working when you need it the most.
- Have you ever thought: “ I can’t afford to replace my furnace.” Replacing a furnace can be a costly expense, especially if you haven’t budgeted for it. Most companies offer no-interest and low-payment financing.
- Does your furnace seem to run nonstop? Older systems become less efficient over time, which means they must work harder and longer to maintain the temperature that the thermostat demands. This results in higher utility bills.
If you answered “Yes” or “I Don’t Know” to three or more questions, it’s time to call a professional to take a look at your furnace and to help you choose a replacement option that works for both your home and budget. Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down and you have to make an important decision like this in a hurry. Check now to see all of your options while you have time to do some research.
